Aberdeen-based shipping and energy services firm, Craig Group, has launched its first F-Class emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV), the Grampian Fortress.

According to the company, The IMT 958 multi-role ERRV, which was christened in the Balenciaga Shipyard in Northern Spain, is the first of two F-class vessels in the group’s £110million ($171.5) investment which has seen 8 other vessels delivered to the company over the last two years.

At 58 metres long, the Grampian Fortress features diesel electric propulsion via twin Azimuth Stern Drives. It is also equipped with daughter craft and fast rescue craft as well as being able to transfer and store limited deck cargo and provide offshore locations with fresh water and fuel if required.

The company said that the Grampian Fortress will be joined later in the year by the second F-Class ERRV, the Grampian Freedom.

Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group, said: “We are pleased and proud to launch the Grampian Fortress in Spain and look forward to taking delivery of her in the next six months. She signals the final steps in our most recent investment in the fleet which will conclude with the launch of the Grampian Freedom. The F-Class demonstrates our commitment to the industry where there is a demand for larger ERRVs.”

North Star Shipping, which operates Craig Group’s fleet of 37 vessels, recently announced it had taken delivery of its eighth and final D-class IMT-950 ERRV, the Grampian Devotion, to be built as part of the current investment. The D-class vessels, which are 50 meters in length, are outfitted with the same rescue and recovery facilities that are found on the latest F-Class vessels.

Source: www.offshoreenergytoday.com

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